WAG 13-01-08-a: Housing Costs

Do not allow utility expenses incurred separately from rent as a housing cost.

Example 1: Ms. K rents an apartment for $450 per month which includes all utilities. She does not have a telephone. Allow $450 as rent. She does not qualify for a utility standard.

Example 2: Ms. D lives in an apartment that rents for $550 and includes heat. Her landlord charges an additional $5 pet fee to her rent. She also pays electric $50, garbage $15, and water $25 to the landlord. Ms. D has her own cell phone. She does not have air conditioning. Ms. D's total rent is $555. Allow the Limited Utility Standard for the utility charges.

Group Home Residents

Use the portion of the client's income that the group home keeps as shelter expenses. Count the rest of the amount the group home keeps as a medical expense. Accept the group home's statement as verification of shelter expenses.

Example: Ms. G lives in a group home. She is employed and earns $120 per month. Her monthly SSI check is $564. Between her earnings and SSI check, the group home keeps a total of $547 for her care. The group home states that $250 is for shelter expenses. Budget $250 for shelter expenses as code 345 HC, and $297 as an allowable medical expense.Code 352 TME with the Standard Medical Deduction for residents of Group Homes/SLF, $485.